Interior Conference Finals: Game 3 Vernon @ Salmon Arm: (Game Preview)

Vernon (5-2) @ Salmon Arm (5-2)


After tempers started heating up at the end of Game 2 fans at the Sunwave Centre could be in for a real war tonight as the Vipers & Silverbacks meet in Game 3. The Vipers are going to have to keep their emotions down and try and not get too carried away with the after the whistle activities that the Backs were bringing in Game 2. Vernon will have to play a solid road game and full 60 minutes if they want to win tonights Game 3. Specialty teams and goaltending is always a key come Playoff time, Vernon will once again have to keep a close eye on the line of Mark Zenergle, Conor Morrison and Keenan Desemt, a line that has killed the Vipers at times through out the regular season. Getting pucks towards the net with traffic in front of Bryan Gillis will also be key to Vernons game plan. Salmon Arm is going to have to come out with a much better effort tonight if they expect to beat Vernon. The Silverbacks were very undisaplined in Game 2 and it cost them. The Backs need to get keep up the physical play, but stay away from the after the whistle altercations. The Backs need to shadow the Vipers top line of Gill & the Jones Twins, something they did in Game 1 but were unsucssful in Game 2. If Salmon Arm can play like they did in Game 1 fans should be in for a heck of a hockey game. You can listen to tonights broadcast on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller, starting at 7:15pm

Heres a look at the series:

March 20th @ Vernon: Game 1: Salmon Arm wins 3-2 Overtime

The Silverbacks took it to the Vipers early and often but were down 1-0 after the 1st period outshooting the Vipers 10-3. Salmon Arm outplayed, outhit and outchanced the Vipers in the 2nd period but could only muster one goal, a later goal by Bobby Lipsett as the Backs could have easily been up 4-1. With the score tied 1-1 heading into the 3rd this was anyones game. Vernon finally started to get their legs going, playing their best hockey of the game as both teams had some good chances. Chris Crowell would score his 2nd of the night at 16:14 as the Vipers jumped ahead but hold on, the Backs didn’t fold the tents, superpest Zac Rasmussen would tie the game under 40 seconds later sending the game to Overtime. Braden Pimm with a two on one couldn’t score the OT winner and shortly after Zac Rasmussen would tip a shot past Andrew Hammond sending the Silverbacks home with the Game 1 victory.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=678207

March 21st @ Vernon: Game 2: Vernon wins 5-1

The Vipers turned around a poor performance in Game 1 with a solid effort in a 501 victory in Game 2. Specialty teams was the difference in the 1st period with Chris Crowell & Mike Collins powerplay goals giving Vernon a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Vernon would kill off a huge two man advantage in the 2nd period wich was the turning point of tonights hockey game, as Vernon headed into the 3rd up 2-1. The Silverbacks couldn’t stay out of the penalty box as the Vipers would score three 3rd period goals on route to a 5-1 victory. Bryan Gillis took the loss making 26 saves. Andrew Hammond made 19 saves getting the win. Mike Collins, Connor Jones, Braden Pimm, & Kellen Jones all lead the Vipers scoring attack with two points each. In the dying seconds Zac Rasmussen pushed Mike Collins into Andrew Hammond wich erupted a mini line brawl as punches were throwen, as both teams tempers started to boil over. This should lead to a very entertaining Game 3 Tuesday night in Salmon Arm.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=678208

Key Players To Watch:

Vernon:

Sahir Gill 10 pts
Kellen Jones 10 pts
Connor Jones 9 pts
Chris Crowell 8 pts
Mike Collins 8 pts
Cory Kane 7 pts
Braden Pimm 7 pts
Rob Short 6 pts
Cameron Brodie 2 pts
Andrew Hammond 5-2 Record 1.93 GAA

Salmon Arm:

Conor Morrison 12 pts
Justin Cseter 9 pts
Zac Rasmussen 7 pts
Ashford McMaster 6 pts
Keenan Desmet 5 pts
Brent Vandenberg 3 pts
Matt Grassi 3 pts
Mark Zengerle 3 pts
Bryan Gillis 5-2 Record 3.21 GAA

Vernon Lakers Playoff Flashbacks:

20 years ago (1989) The Vernon Lakers would make a long Playoff run, all the way to the team’s first of four straight Centennial Cup’s, in Summerside PEI I will be recapping the Lakers cup run in my version of Vernon Lakers Playoff Flashbacks.

The Vernon Lakers finished the regular season clinching top spot in the Interior Division with a 40-19-1 record collecting 81 pts. The Lakers would defeat the Kelowna Packers in the 1st round (Interior Division Semi-Finals) in 5 games (4-1) Vernon would outscore Kelowna 26-16 to move onto the Interior Division Finals.

For stats & rosters on Vernon Junior Hockey History, Check out Paul's Vernon Franchise website

http://members.shaw.ca/vernonfranchise/index.html

Gorillas Stun Snakes In Overtime:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Gorillas stun Snakes in overtime

The shift after a goal is sometimes as important as the goal itself. The Vernon Vipers learned that in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in Game 1 of the B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference final Friday night at Wesbild Centre.
The Snakes looked primed to grind out a regulation win in front of 3,000 fans after Chris Crowell pounced on a rebound to fire the go-ahead goal, his second of the night, past netminder Bryan Gillis at 16:14 of the third period.
On the very next shift, the Vipers sat back as Salmon Arm’s Zac Rasmussen snapped a low shot just inside the post to beat Andrew Hammond 38 seconds later to force OT.
Game 2 went Saturday night at Wesbild. Games 3 and 4 go Tuesday and Wednesday night (7:30) respectively at the Sunwave Centre in Salmon Arm.
“It was a weird game,” said Rasmussen, who netted the winner with a great deflection on Greg Noyes’ point shot at 6:24 to earn first star. “Everybody came out slow. It was kind of boring, it wasn’t really like a playoff game. Everybody played like it was the first week of September.
“The (elimination round) bye helped, but that last week kinda hurt because all the emotion from beating Westide (Warriors) just ended. It was a long layoff.
“I got my legs going as the game wore on, and got my rhythm back.”
Hammond (39 saves) had to be sharp early as Colin Lidster tested him on a wraparound 30 seconds into the first frame. He then stopped Mark Zengerle point-blank from the slot midway through the first.
The Vipers managed just three shots on Gillis (24 saves) in the first period, but managed to score on one of them. It was the first time in 13 games the Vipers have been outshot.
Vipers’ forward Mike Collins took a heavy hit from behind from Matt Walters as he fired on net. Crowell tipped it past Gillis.
“We didn’t really play our best tonight, but it’s a best-of-seven for a reason,” said Crowell. “At times we played well, but you need a 60-minute effort to get the win against a team like that.
“Give them credit. They competed hard and took one out of our building.”
Salmon Arm head coach Rylan Ferster doesn’t expect things to get any easier as the series wears on.
“It’s the first of four, not the first of one,” said Ferster. “I thought they played well, and it boiled down to one shot. We were fortunate tonight to get that hockey bounce.
“They’re such a good defensive team, you have to get some pucks in their corners and try to get some pressure on them because they’re a team that makes plays in their own end, and they don’t give up a whole lot.”
Midway through the second frame, Keenan Desmet looked to have Hammond beat in close, but the Vernon keeper reached back with a second effort to glove the puck out of the air before it crossed the line.
The ‘Backs kept testing Vernon’s defence, as Travis Briard undressed d-man Kyle Bigos before dishing off to Matt Grassi, who lost the handle on a wide open net.
Then, with Brent Vandenberg on a clear breakaway, Viper d-man Kevin Kraus came flying back to break up the play with a good stick.
Salmon Arm’s Bobby Lipsett, on a pass from Briard in the corner, finally beat Hammond at 16:36 of the second.
“We were lucky to be as close as we were,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “It seemed like we were chasing pucks all night long. We sat around and watched them play there for a while.
“They got pucks to the net, and we didn’t. We had lots of opportunities to do that, we just didn’t do it.
“You can’t play a mediocre game against a hockey team like Salmon Arm because they’ll come back and bite you.
“We’ve been in this situation before, and I expect our guys to come out with a heck of a lot better effort than we did tonight.”
After calling five minors in the first period, referee Jim Maniago kept the whistle in the pocket for the final 40 minutes.
Fans were outraged when the Vipers’ Rob Short took a knee-on-knee hit from Mitch Chapman behind the play midway through the second. After requiring help off the ice, Short returned to action by the end of the period.
Meanwhile, Clay Harvey pocketed the winner 9:13 into OT as the Powell River Kings upended the host Victoria Grizzlies 5-4 in Game 1 of the Coastal Conference final Friday night at Bear Mountain Arena.
Netminder Carsen Chubak turned aside 39 shots for the Kings, who managed 28 shots on Grizz keeper Anthony Grieco.
Goals by Ben Schmidt and Darcy Oakes gave the Kings a one-goal lead heading into the third period, however, Justin Courtnall tied things up at 5:58 to force OT.

SNAKEBITES: Former Viper Justin Palazzo earned an assist as the host Kamloops Storm grounded the Sicamous Eagles 3-1 to win their best-of-five Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Okanagan Conference final 3-2 Friday night. The Storm fired three unanswered goals before Garret Earley countered for the Eagles. Kamloops now faces the Nelson Leafs for the KIJHL Championship in a best-of-seven series.

Interior Conference Finals: Game 2 Vernon 5 Salmon Arm 1

Was at tonights Game 2 of the Interior Conference Finals as Vernon defeated Salmon Arm 5-1 in front of 2,454 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

1st Period: The Silverbacks got off to another good start, having some good jump in the early minutes before the Vipers would get an early powerplay. Vernon struggled on the man advantage not recording a single shot as Salmon Arm killed off the minor. The Backs had the early edge in play but didnt get many real solid scoring chances. Kellen Jones had the Vipers best scoring chance cutting down the wing, just missing with a quick shot from the circle. For the second straight night the Silverbacks come out laying the body, playing another very physical game, punishing Vernon with some big hits. The Silverbacks would get into some penalty trouble taking back to back penalties and it cost them. Captain Chris Crowell would beat Bryan Gillis on the PP at 9:03 with Braden Pimm & Mike Collins collecting the assists. Just over two minutes later Mike Collins beat Gillis on another man advantage at 11:13 with Braden Pimm & Cameron Brodie picking up the assists. Both powerplay goals seemed to deflate the Backs as Vernon was playing a much more rounded hockey game tonight compared to last nights game. But just over two minutes after Vernons 2nd goal Mark Zengerle dished off to Keenan Desmet, who beat Andrew Hammond at 13:36 with Zengerle and Conor Morrison collecting the assists. The Vipers carried the edge in play in the second half of the period with some hard work down low. For the 2nd straight night Vernons top line of Sahir Gill, Connor & Kellen Jones were being checked real hard. Vernon had the better of the play and chances but were outhit up 2-1 after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 9-6.

2nd Period: The Vipers come out strong with some good jump, really moving the puck well creating some good scoring chances early. James Kerr & Cory Kane with a two on one, Kane kept and shot as Gillis made the save. Vernon carried the better of the play in the first half but couldnt find the back of the net. The Vipers had a second odd man rush but couldnt beat Gillis on their second two on one of the night. Vipers were really skating well, moving the puck well out of their own end with a good transition game. Around the midway mark Vernon would get into penalty trouble as the Backs would go on a two man advantage. The Vipers penalty kill was superb doing a great job at keeping the shots to the outside. Andrew Hammond had to be sharpe making two big saves off, Ashford McMaster & Max Grassi. Connor Jones with two huge shot blocks, as well as Braden Pimm with a big shot block as the Silverbacks couldnt hit the back of the net after some strong penalty kill by the Vipers, killing off both minors. The Backs still played physical laying out some big checks through out the period. The 2nd half of the period was very scrambly at times with very little flow, alot of whistles made for a very dull second half. Vernon excaped with a big penalty kill and were up 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. Shots were even 10 each.

3rd Period: The Vipers would get on the scoreboard just 4:34 into the final period. James Kerr with some hard work and good hustle down low beat Gillis in front with Bryce Kakoske getting the lone assist. Ryan Santana would crash into Bryan Gillis and the net after lossing an edge, Santana would hit the post with his shoulder and head. Santana would get up under his own strength but headed straight to the Vipers dressing room. It looked as if Santana's shoulder or neck may have been injured. Shortly after the Vipers would lose a 2nd man to injury after Kevin Kraus would leave the game with an injured leg-ankle. Kraus went to the ice after being checked and couldnt get up on his own two feet, Kraus had to hobble towards the Vipers bench before jumping over the boards. Salmon Arm played most of the 3rd shorthanded after taking some undisaplined penalties. The Backs were dishing out alot of high head shots all game. Vernon would cash in on one of the powerplays after some nice passing. Connor Jones would beat Gillis at 11:50 on the PP with assists going to, Kellen Jones & Sahir Gill. Zac Rasmussen would come flying in behind the net getting his stick up in the face of Connor Jones as Jones was celebrating the goal. This drew a crowd inbehind the Backs goal as the Silverbacks would end up with the man advantage. Salmon Arm couldnt generate much offence on the powerplay as the Vipers would kill off the minor. This 3rd period was all Vernon as the Vipers looked very strong with the puck really outworking the Silverbacks. Salmon Arm still didnt back down from the physical play, always seemed to be finishing their checks. Vernon had some troubles on the powerplay as the score could have been much worse if the Vipers PP was clicking. Salmon Arm would kill off the final two minors. Late in the game Connor Jones would score his 2nd of the night after a nice pass from brother Kellen Jones beating Bryan Gillis at 16:55 This was the end of the night for most of the Salmon Arm fans, as they started heading for the exits. Late in the game things got ugly as both benches were yapping back and forth, players on the ice were doing alot of chirpping as well. Keenan Desmet had a good chance with a blast from the circle just missing the net. Desmet had a few good rushes with the puck in the final minute of the hockey game. With the clock winding down Mike Collins was skating back into his own end with the puck, Zac Rasmussen gave Collins a shove, then pushed Collins into Andrew Hammond as tempers started to heat up. Everyone on the ice was trying to get a hold of one another, as a Viper come flying in from no where laying out a huge elbow to Zac Rasmussen. Rasmussen was right in the middle of the mini line brawl as Jason Beatie was manhandling the linesmen after he was being tossed. Beatie was pushing and shoving, trying to get away from the linesmen. The mini scrum was broken up as the Vipers would pick up the 5-1 victory and tying the series 1-1. Vernon outshot Salmon Arm 12-4.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Cody Ikkala played a very solid game on the Vipers blueline. Ikkala was solid at both ends of the rink playing a solid defensive game.

The line of Chris Crowell (1 goal), Mike Collins,(1 goal & 1 assist) & Braden Pimm (2 assists) played a good game up front. Crowell played physical for the second straight night, and was very noticable in front of the Backs net. Mike Collins looked good with the puck, and was creating some chances all game. Braden Pimm stepped up his play tonight, collecting two assists. Pimm made some nice passes to setup two Vernon goals.

The line of Sahir Gill (1 assist), Connor (2 goals) and Kellen Jones (2 assists) also played very well tonight. Once again this line took a beating with many head shots and high sticks. But unlike in Game 1 this line found a way to battle through the adversity, creating and making plays happen. Connor scored two real nice goals after two nice passes from his brother Kellen. The smallest line of the Vipers was the most physical line of the Vipers tonight, other then Chris Crowell. Both Connor and Kellen Jones played physical, laying out some checks of their own. Both Connor & Kellen Jones also looked very good on the penalty kill, coming up with some big shot blocks. This line worked extremly hard all night.

James Kerr (1 goal) looked very impressive tonight. Played with alot of hustle, really worked hard to score the Vipers 3rd goal. Was skating hard all game.

Cory Kane played well for the 2nd straight night. Kanes speed and skill was very hard for the Backs to control on many rushes.

Adam Thompson played a good game on the Vipers blueline. In Game 1 Thompson looked a little nervous but seemed to settle down playing very well at both ends of the rink.

Andrew Hammond didnt have a tough night between the pipes tonight but come up with the saves when called apon.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

Jason Beatie played very physical tonight, was very tough to play against.

Colin Lidster played very aggresive, laid out some big checks.

Game Thoughts (Vernon)

You could almost say tonight was a must win for the Vipers, they didnt want to go into Salmon Arm next week down 2-0 in the series. A much better and stronger performance from Vernon in a solid 5-1 victory. Vernon carried most of the play and outplayed the Backs for most of tonights contest. The Vipers were skating hard, really moving the puck well tonight and looked very good defensivly in their own end. Vipers defence did a great job at keeping the shots against down, and didnt give up many 2nd or 3rd rebound chances in front. Vipers did a great job at shutting down the Backs top lines. Vernon struggled on the powerplay at times, getting very few shots towards the net. I dont like having Bryce Kakoske out on the point with Kyle Bigos. Cameron brodie, Adam Thompson or Mike Leidl would be a much better fit. Anyone of these three young men get that quick release off from the point, really know how to handle the puck at the line. The turning point tonight was when the Vipers were down two men as the Backs were on the two man advantage but couldnt capitalize as the Vipers penalty kill looked very strong. The Vipers played too soft for the 2nd straight night, took alot of physical checks as well as head shots-high sticks from Salmon Arm, Vernon needs to play physical against a smaller team like the Silverbacks. They cant let guys like Zac Rasmussen and Mitch Chapman take cheap shots towards the Vernon players. I sure hope Ryan Santana and Kevin Kraus are ok, it sure didnt look good though. With Rob Short out of the lineup the Vipers could be down three players for Game 3.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

This was a different Silverbacks team compared to last nights game. The Backs outhit the Vipers but that was about it, Salmon Arm played very undisaplined taking some very undisaplained penalties. The Backs didnt seem to have their legs going like last night. Salmon Arms defence didnt do as good as a job defensivley, allowing the Vipers to create chances in and around the net. Last night the Backs really shutdown the Vipers top two lines but tonight couldnt contain them at times. Had troubles creating chances, very few real good scoring chances. Even though the Silverbacks were outplayed for most of tonights game, they still had a chance at taking Game 2. Down 2-1 going into the 3rd, this could have been anyones game for the taking. Jason Beatie should be suspended for manhandling the linesmen in the altercation at the end of tonights game. No player is allowed to touch or make physical contact with the referee or linesmen. Tempers started heating up, should be a wild game 3 in Salmon Arm.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Rob Short
Steven Weinstein
Nick Amies

Salmon Arm:

Mike Puddifant
Levi Hantula
Christoper Hoe

3 Stars:

1st Star: Connor Jones (2 goals)
2nd Star: Mike Collins (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Braden Pimm (2 assists)

Interior Conference Finals: Game 2 Salmon Arm @ Vernon: (Game Preview)

Salmon Arm (5-1) @ Vernon (4-2)

You can say tonights Game 2 is a must win for the Vernon Vipers. Vernon just like the the 2nd round of the BCHL Playoffs, dosnt want to go into Salmon Arm down 2-0. The Vipers are going to have to play a more consistant game tonight, and a full 60 minutes. Vernon also needs to step up the physical play and compete just as hard as Salmon Arm. Vernon needs to get more pucks to the net, and try and generate more offence after being outshot badly in Game 1. The Silverbacks don’t have to change much of their game plan, if they can play like they did in Game 1 they will be fine. The Silverbacks need to keep up the physical presence and key in on the Vipers top line of Sahir Gill, Connor & Kellen Jones if they want to eliminate Vernon. You can listen to tonights game live on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller starting at 6:45pm

Heres a look at last nights Game 1:

March 20th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 3-2 Overtime


The Silverbacks took it to the Vipers early and often but were down 1-0 after the 1st period outshooting the Vipers 10-3. Salmon Arm outplayed, outhit and outchanced the Vipers in the 2nd period but could only muster one goal, a later goal by Bobby Lipsett as the Backs could have easily been up 4-1. With the score tied 1-1 heading into the 3rd this was anyones game. Vernon finally started to get their legs going, playing their best hockey of the game as both teams had some good chances. Chris Crowell would score his 2nd of the night at 16:14 as the Vipers jumped ahead but hold on, the Backs didn’t fold the tents, superpest Zac Rasmussen would tie the game under 40 seconds later sending the game to Overtime. Braden Pimm with a two on one couldn’t score the OT winner and shortly after Zac Rasmussen would tip a shot past Andrew Hammond sending the Silverbacks home with the Game 1 victory.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=678207

Key Players To Watch:

Vernon:

Sahir Gill 9 pts
Kellen Jones 8 pts
Connor Jones 7 pts
Cory Kane 7 pts
Chris Crowell 7 pts
Rob Short 6 pts
Mike Collins 6 pts
Braden Pimm 5 pts
Cameron Brodie 1 pt
Andrew Hammond 4-2 Record 2.08 GAA

Salmon Arm:

Conor Morrison 11 pts
Justin Cseter 9 pts
Zac Rasmussen 7 pts
Ashford McMaster 6 pts
Keenan Desmet 4 pts
Brent Vandenberg 3 pts
Matt Grassi 3 pts
Mark Zengerle 2 pts
Bryan Gillis 5-1 Record 2.92 GAA

Interior Conference Finals: Game 1 Salmon Arm 3 Vernon 2 (Overtime)

Was at last nights Game 1 of the Interior Conference Finals as Salmon Arm defeated Vernon 3-2 in Overtime in front of 3,003 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

1st Period: The Silverbacks come out with good jump having the better of the play in the early goings of the period. The Backs would get the first powerplay, moving the puck well getting some chances early. Brent Vandenberg couldn't connect on a crease pass on Salmon Arms best scoring chance in front. The Vipers didnt seem to have their legs going as the Silverbacks were laying the body on the Vipers, really going after Vernons top line of Sahir Gill, Connor & Kellen Jones. Salmon Arm really shutdown the Vipers top line all night. Salmon Arm carried the better of the play in the first half as Vernon couldnt generate any offence or even get any shots on goal. Vernon would get their first man advantage and struggle in the early goings, with some poor decisions and passes before Captain Chris Crowell would beat Bryan Gillis on the powerplay at 9:56 scoring on the Vipers first shot on goal. Assists went to Adam Thompson & Mike Collins. Collins with the pass over to Crowell for the goal. This goal seemed to give the Vipers life and turned the tables for the next several minutes as Vernon stepped up their play, finally getting some chances in the Backs zone. The Vipers started skating, really putting some good presure on the Silverbacks but couldnt get any shots towards Gillis. After some good presure the Vipers could only muster two shots on goal. Mark Zengerle & Conor Morrison went in two on one, Zengerle made the pass over to Morrison who missed the net on a weak shot. Mark Zengerle with a good chance from the slot but Andrew Hammond made the save. Late in the period Vernons defence had all kinds of troubles clearing the zone, coughing up the puck several times. Max Grassi with a quick shot from the point just about found its way through a maze of players. Vernon was lucky to excape the period after being outplayed, outhit and outworked for most of the period but were up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 10-3.

2nd Period: Salmon Arm come out of the gates with the early presure before going on the penalty kill. The Vipers with an early powerplay once again struggled looking very sloppy with the man advantage. Vernon would get two great chances, Kyle Bigos with a screened shot from the point was robbed by Bryan Gillis with a huge glove save & then Cory Kane cut towards the goal, but couldnt slide the puck under Gillis who shut the door. Salmon Arm would kill off the minor. The Backs controlled most of the 2nd period with the better of the play getting lots of odd man rushes, many chances in close and once again played physical outchecking the Vipers. Mitch Chapman took a huge run towards Rob Short who was without the puck, Chapman either went knee on knee or took Shorts legs out from under him on a dirty hit along the boards. Short went down and didnt get back up for several minutes before being helped off the ice. Short went directly to the Vernon dressing room. Short would return to the bench late in the 2nd and did see some icetime. Short wasnt skating with full strides, as his one leg looked to be bothering him. Travis Briard with a nice move around a Vernon d-man, made a nice pass through the crease where Justin Cseter was robbed by Hammond at the side of the net. The Vipers couldnt generate much of an offensive attack for the second straight period. The Vipers d-men were caught off gaurd after Brent Vandenberg went in all alone on the breakaway, before Kevin Kraus hustled back into the play, breaking up Vandenberg on the breakaway on a solid defensive effort. The Silverbacks looked very good in the middle frame putting up all kinds of presure in the Vernon zone. Zac Rasmussen was stopped by Hammond in close. Give the Silverbacks full credit, their defence played a solid game on the backend really shutting down Vernons top line, not giving them any room to get that cycle going down low. The Vipers best line of Ryan Santana, James Kerr & Cole Ikkala did manage to get some offence going but couldnt find the back of the net. Santana showed alot of hustle working hard all game. Late in the period Bobby Lipsett was left all alone in front, beating Andrew Hammond at 16:36 tying the game 1-1. Assists going to, Travis Briard who did all the work to setup the game tying goal. Salmon Arm had many chances and were by far the better of the two teams and could have been up 4-1 but were tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. The Silverbacks outshot the Vipers 15-10.

3rd Period: Salmon Arm once again controlled the early play with some good puck movement but no real good chances. The Silverbacks had the better of the play for most of the first half before Vernon finally woke up and played their best period of hockey in the second half of the 3rd. Sahir Gill was stopped by Gillis at the side of the net after a great Vernon scoring chance. Colin Lidster & Matt Wray went in two on one, Lidtser made the pass over to Wray who couldnt connect on the pass. Justin Cseter was stopped by Hammond after a quick shot from the circle. Vernons top line of Gill and the Jones Twins did finally manage to create some chances in close. Travis Briard with a shot from the slot hit the post after beating Hammond. Salmon Arm was really forcing the play, this giving the Vipers all kinds of troubles breaking out of their own end. Both teams went back and forth with some good chances as the play seemed to open up. Rob Short with basically one leg put a nice move around a Backs d-man, cut towards the goal and was stopped by Gillis twice in front. Cory Kane then with some nice moves had a chance but couldnt beat Gillis. A long shot from just past centre took a funny bounce off the end boards, as the puck come shooting back out front, with Andrew Hammond inbehind the Vipers net as no Salmon Arm players were in front to hit the empty net, Backs come close there. After a breakdown in the Silverbacks zone on a Viper dump in, Mike Collins cut towards the slot, getting a shot off before Chris Crowell tipped the puck past Gillis putting Vernon up 2-1 at 16:14 Collins & Kevin Kraus collected the assists. But just under 40 seconds later superpest Zac Rasmussen would spin and fire beating wich looked like a screened Hammond tying the game 2-2 at 16:52 as Rasmussen tugging on his jersey sliding across the ice, like a young Theo Fleury did back after beating the Oilers in OT. Matt Wray with the lone assist. The Silverbacks poured on the presure in the final few minutes, Max Grassi with a quick shot from the slot just about found its way through to the back of the net, with a mad scramble in front the Backs nearly come close to ending the game with some wacks at the loose puck in front of Andrew Hammond. The game was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 13-11 in a much more evened period.

Overtime: Connor & Kellen Jones went in on a parcial two on one but couldnt connect on the pass as the play was broken up. Braden Pimm and Chris Crowell with a two on one had the Vipers best scoring chance shortly after, Pimm wound up with a big blast from the circle, as Gillis made a nice blocker save. A few weak looking shots from the point kinda handcuffed Hammond as the veteran goaltender had troubles controlling the rebounds. Matt Wrays shot would be tipped by Zac Rasmussen at 6:24 of the extra period wich beat Hammond as the Backs bench poured onto the ice in a huge celebration as Salmon Arm takes Game 1 3-2 in Overtime, taking the 1-0 series lead. Salmon Arm outshot Vernon 4-2.

Top Players: (Vernon)

The line of Ryan Santana, James Kerr & Cole Ikkala was Vernons best and most effective line. Santana with lots of hustle and nice moves worked hard all game. Cole Ikkala played physical, had some chances and worked hard. Captain Chris Crowell (2 goals) played a physical game, looked good up front. Crowell was in and around the net most of the game, getting some good chances.

Cory Kane played a good game for Vernon. Was skating well all night, really played with lots of energy, put a few nice moves on a few Salmon Arm players. Come close to scoring on a few chances.

Rob Short played well, especially after taking the Chapman hit. Short basically played the end of the 2nd and the 3rd on one leg, played with alot of heart and determination, looking good in the 3rd period. Lets hope Robbie is ok and good to go for tonight.

Top Players: (Salmon Arm)

The line of Matt Wray (2 assists), Colin Lidster (1 assist) and Zac Rasmussen (2 goals) looked very solid all night. Wray was in the face of several Vipers especially in the 1st period, laid out some big checks. Was chirpping with the Vernon bench after each linechange. Lidster one of the bigger kids in the league, was very tough to knock around and fight off the puck. With a full Playoff bear going, looked like a growen man, played physical. What can you say about superpest Zac Rasmussen, always plays well against the Vipers. Rasmussen scored the two biggest goals of the night. Looked very good all night, was getting under the skin of many Vipers for most of the night.

Brent Vandenberg played well up front. Had a great chance in the 2nd period on a breakaway but was denied after Kevin Kraus showed some good hustle getting back into the play, to breakup the breakaway. Vandenberg had a few chances around the net.

Travis Briard impressed me alot tonight. Looked very good for most of tonights game. Had a great chance to get the winner in the 3rd but hit the post. Briard looked good and was deadly around the net. Justin Cseter another forward who plays well against Vernon. Good skater, gets involved in the play.

Bobby Lipsett (1 goal) A local boy who is another Backs player who plays well against the Vipers. Scored a big goal late in the 2nd to tie the game 1-1. Lipsett was very impressive in Game 1.

Travis Statchuk had some chances and looked fairly good up front. Very nice skater who can handle the puck well.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

Vernon has now lost both Game 1's in OT in these BCHL Playoffs. The Vipers didnt look good for most of tonights game. Were very lucky to be up 1-0 after the 1st after being outplayed and outhit for most of the period. Getting just three shots on goal in the opening period wont win you hockey games. Vernon gave up way too many odd man rushes in the 2nd period and could have easily been down 4-1 after 40 minutes of play but were lucky to be tied 1-1. A very poor looking 2nd once again getting outhit, outworked and lost many of the one on one battles. A much better performance and effort in the 3rd but should have never allowed the Backs to get the game tying goal seconds after taking the lead. The Vipers need to be more physical against a strong skating team like Salmon Arm, they also need to get more shots towards the net with traffic in front of Gillis. Vernons top line was shutdown all night, was punished hard into the boards on almost every shift. This line is going to have to find a way to get around the adversity. I cant remember the last game Vernon was outshot this bad. Usally the shots are the other way around. Vernon only had a handfull of chances, needs a full 60 minute effort tonight, if they expect to beat Salmon Arm. Alot of guys didnt look good for the Vipers last night. Not faulting Andrew Hammond but he seemed to have troubles with his rebounds and puck control on the long shots.

Game Thoughts: (Salmon Arm)

The Silverbacks come to play tonight and it showed. Salmon Arm had good jump all night, was really skating hard, this was the first time all season where I have seen the Backs play this physical and keep it up for the full game. Salmon Arm did an excellent job at shutting down the Vipers top line of Gill and the Jones Twins. Really laid the body on them, giving them no time or space to get that cycle going, there so good at. Give full credit to the Backs defence for shutting down the Vipers offence, keeping the Vipers to under 30 shots, blocking the shooting lanes and not giving up any second chances. Bryan Gillis didnt see much action but played well when needed too. Salmon Arm did a great job at clogging up the neutral zone, as the Vipers had all kinds of troubles getting pucks through the zone and on net. The Backs really forced the play, for most of tonights game, causing all kinds of trouble on the Vernon breakout. This team has a very good transition game as well. Very well coached, like I said before a very strong skating team with lots of offensive wepons and a strong backend. Great to see a big Salmon Arm crowd, wich made a ton of noise all night.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Nick Amies
Steven Weinstein
Kory Roy

Salmon Arm:

Mike Puddifant
Levi Hantula
Christopher Hoe

3 Stars:

1st Star: Zac Rasmussen (2 goals)
2nd Star: Chris Crowell (2 goals)
3rd Star: Bobby Lipsett (1 goal)

Interior Conference Finals: Game 1 Salmon Arm @ Vernon: (Game Preview)

Salmon Arm (4-1) @ Vernon (4-1)

One of the BCHL’s top rivals meet in the Interior Conference Finals as both Vernon & Salmon Arm meet for the second time in Playoff history. Both teams are looking at moving onto the BCHL Fred Page Cup. The Silverbacks are coming off a 4-1 series win over Westside as the Vipers are coming off a 4-1 series win over Penticton. Salmon Arm is going to have to try and shut down the Vipers top line of Sahir Gill and the Jones Twins, and try battle there way through Vernon’s tough defensive core & try and get pucks past Andrew Hammond who looked very solid vs the Vees. The Vipers are going to have to try and shut down the likes of Mark Zengerle, Keenan Desmet, Conor Morrison, & Zac Rasmussen. Vernon will also have to try and get alot of shots and traffic in front of Bryan Gillis who has played Vernon well all year. Watch out for the Backs powerplay, specialty teams will also play a major factor in these Playoffs, Salmon Arm has a lethal PP as the Vipers will have to stay out of the penalty box. You can listen to tonights game live on 107.5 Kiss FM with Todd Miller starting at 6:45pm

Heres a look at the season series:

September 5th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 4-1

The Vipers & Silverbacks clashed in the Vipers home opener. The Vipers were carried out onto the ice in the teams opening ceremonies in the back of the Vernon RCMP pickup trucks with the lights flashing as they introduced each player. Then a swat team member come shooting down a rope from the rafters, the officer then ran to a RCMP van on the ice and opened the back doors as the Vipers Captain & Assistant Captains jumped out from the back of the van. Salmon Arm opened the scoring just eleven seconds into the period, with a goal from Conor Morrison. This was the one and only goal the Backs would score as Vernon would beat Bryan Gillis four times going on to the 4-1 victory. Steve Tresierra, Cory Kane, Kellen Jones & Adam Thompson led the attack for Vernon. Andrew Hammond picked up his first win of the season making 27 saves.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573358

September 6th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 5-4 (Overtime)

This was the back of a home and home series between these two Okanagan rivals. Tonight was Salmon Arms home opener and they didn’t let the home town crowd down. Just 1:41 into Overtime, Zac Rasmussen scored the game winner as the Silverbacks record the 5-4 OT win. Mark Zengerle & Conor Morrison collect three points each. Bryan Gillis picks up his first win of the season making 23 saves. John Digness picks up two points in the loss for Vernon.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573363

September 20th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-2

This was an ugly game if you’re a Vernon fan. Salmon Arm destroys Vernon in a big 7-2 victory. The Silverbacks outplayed the Vipers as 1st star, Mark Zengerle collects four points. 2nd star, Keenan Desmet scores two goals and picks up two assists. 3rd star, Conor Morrison picks up (1 & 3). Andrew Hammond was given the hook after giving up four goals on just 17 shots. Backup Mark Segal didn’t do much better, allowing three goals.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573397

November 7th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3

The Backs win there third straight against Vernon, in a 4-3 win. David Killip & Colin Lidster each pick up two points in the win. Bryan Gillis makes 31 saves between the pipes collecting the victory. Kellen Jones leads the way for the Vipers with one goal and one assist. The Silverbacks lead the season series 3-1.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573532

December 19th @ Vernon: Salmon Arm wins 4-3

Salmon Arm wins there fourth straight against Vernon with a 4-3 victory, there 11th win in a row. Mark Zengerle led the way with a goal and 2 assists. Zengerle was all over the ice. D-man, Ashford McMaster picked up 2 assists in the win, looking very solid. Bryan Gillis was steady, having to make his best saves for last, in the 3rd period, facing 15 Vernon shots. Matt Walters & Zac Rasmussen played a feisty role, getting under the skin of some Vipers. Walters & Rasmussen both played with that in your face style of hockey. The Vipers played about 7-8 minutes of the game, inwich they made a late rally, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Silverbacks on the scoreboard and in the standings. Salmon Arm with the win, moves 5 pts up on Vernon for first in the Interior.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573657

December 20th @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 6-4

The Backs jumped out to a early 2-0 lead with goals from, Mark Zengerle and Keenan Desmet before the Vipers scored three straight goals in the 2nd period and went on to the 6-4 victory. Brothers Connor & Kellen Jones lead the way for Vernon with 3 pts each along with Vernon product Bryce Kakoske also putting up 3 pts in the win. Former Silverbacks goaltender, Graeme Gordon makes 21 saves beating his former club, improving his record to 9-0 as a Viper.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573661

December 29th @ Salmon Arm: Salmon Arm wins 7-3

Vernon got off to a good start, scoring first with a goal by Mike Collins, but on the next rush the Silverbacks would score four quick goals just over the next three minutes jumping ahead 4-1 and in full control. Anytime the Vipers would score to climb back to within two goals, Salmon Arm answered right back within minutes after the Vernon goal, re-taking the three goal lead once again. Former Silverback goaltender Graeme Gordon allowed all seven goals, suffering his first loss as a Viper. Viper killer Mark Zengerle lead the way with a goal & a assist. Jason Beatie added two assists, and Captain Matt Walters pitched in with a goal and some physical play. Vernon played most of the 3rd period shorthanded as tempers flared in the final period. Salmon Arm was the far better team, looking very strong on home ice. Should be a war tonight.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573669

December 30th @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-1 (Overtime)

Tonight was the fourth straight meeting between these two hockey teams during the holiday break. Travis Statchuk opened the scoring putting Salmon Arm up 1-0 in the 1st period. Backs goaltender Bryan Gillis stood on his head all night, making some big saves, but couldn’t stop Cory Kane with two minutes remaining as the Vipers tied the game after firing 38 shots on Gillis after three periods of play. The game would head to overtime before Mike Collins beat Gillis 44 seconds into the extra frame giving Vernon the 2-1 OT victory. Gillis would make 39 saves in the loss. Andrew Hammond made 26 saves getting the win before 2,994 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573672

January 23rd @ Salmon Arm: Vernon wins 4-2

A big crowd of 1,782 packed the Sunwave Centre to catch the final home meeting between these two clubs. Salmon Arm jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead early in the 1st period with goals from, Justin Cseter & Mark Zengerle but Vernon battled back, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat the Silverbacks 4-2. Cameron Brodie scored his 1st goal as a Viper on a funny bounce inbehind the Backs net. Other Vernon goals come from, Mike Collins (2) & Connor Jones. Andrew Hammond made 22 saves between the pipes for the victory, while Bryan Gillis made 25 saves taking the loss.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573741

January 31st @ Vernon: Vernon wins 2-0

The biggest corwd of the season packed the Wesbild Centre to watch the Vernon Vipers defeat the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 2-0 in the final meeting of the year. Braden Pimm in the 2nd and Kory Roy in the 3rd lead the scoring attack for the Vipers. Bryan Gillis makes 33 saves in the loss, Andrew Hammond made 37 saves in the win. Vernon goes 0-5 for on the powerplay while Salmon Arm goes 0-5. The Silverbacks outshoot the Vipers 37-35.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573768

Key Players To Watch:

Vernon:

Sahir Gill 9 pts
Kellen Jones 8 pts
Connor Jones 7 pts
Cory Kane 7 pts
Rob Short 6 pts
Braden Pimm 5 pts
Chris Crowell 5 pts
Mike Collins 4 pts
Cameron Brodie 1 pt
Andrew Hammond 4-1 Record 1.94 GAA

Salmon Arm:

Conor Morrison 11 pts
Justin Cseter 9 pts
Ashford McMaster 6 pts
Zac Rasmussen 5 pts
Keenan Desmet 4 pts
Brent Vandenberg 3 pts
Matt Grassi 3 pts
Mark Zengerle 2 pts
Bryan Gillis 4-1 Record 3.17 GAA

Vipers Pumped For Showdown:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers pumped for showdown

Teams keep playing the underdog card against the Vernon Vipers in the B.C. Hockey League playoffs, and the only thing it has done so far is backfire.
Penticton head coach Fred Harbinson used it in the Interior Conference semifinals, only to have his Vees dispatched in five game. Now Salmon Arm SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster seems all too happy to wear the underdog collar in the Conference finals.
Games 1 and 2 go tonight and Saturday respectively at Wesbild Centre.
“We realize we’re the underdog in this one,” said Ferster. “They’re the best team in the Interior Conference.
“We have to be able to generate some offence, but they’re a very good defensive team. You have to be eager to outwork your opponent.”
It’s difficult to imagine the Vipers will be lulled into a false sense of confidence with the Gorillas, especially considering they were in a battle for first place all season with each team claiming three home and two road wins in their 10-game series.
Both teams feature quality goaltending – Bryan Gillis for Salmon Arm and Andrew Hammond for Vernon – and both have experience dee corps. Vernon’s main advantage appears to be their depth at forward, and their ability to roll four lines to grind teams down.
Vipers’ captain Chris Crowell, who had five points in the Penticton series, was pleased to see the younger players chipping in.
“Some of the younger guys – Kaner (Cory Kane) and (Cole) Ikkala – stepped up big for us, which is good. Right now we have four lines rolling going into Salmon Arm.
“The only difference (between Penticton and Salmon Arm) is their defence is a little more veteran, a little stronger.”
Added Vipers’ forward Braden Pimm: “Ever since Day 1, it’s been a huge rivalry. I definitely don’t like them over there, and I’m pretty sure they don’t like us, so it should make for a pretty good series.
“We just need to simplify everything – chips in, chips out... put a lick on their dee, and it wears them down during the series. As long as all four lines are going, we feel pretty good about ourselves.”
Ferster said Gorillas’ leading sniper Mark Zengerle, who missed the final three games of the Interior semifinal with the Westside Warriors with an injury, will play tonight.
“That top line does a lot of their offence, it’s the key to their powerplay,” said Crowell. “I don’t know who’s going to get the job of checking them, but it’s going to be important to the outcome of this series.”
Another key will be the Vipers’ ability to stay out of the penalty box. The only time they looked vulnerable in the semis was when they took penalties.
But aside from a few spurts of overzealous play against Penticton – resulting in a number of unnecessary penalties – the Vipers settled down as the series wore on.
“We’re kind of a young team, but we’ve figured it out,” said Pimm. “We’ve settled down and we’ve got back in our groove. I’m pretty sure we learned from that, and now we’re just moving forward.
“We just want to keep building on our success from last series, and hopefully this little break won’t be a hiccup like it was last time around.”
While the Vipers tend to worry about their own preparation rather than fixate on what their opponent is doing, they’re fully aware of how dangerous the ‘Backs can be.
“They’ve got a good offensive-minded team and they’re good on the transition,” said Vipers’ assistant coach Jason Williamson. “We’ve got to stay out of the penalty box and limit their opportunities to be successful.
“We have to worry about certain players on their team, but if we protect the puck and grind it out, we’ll be fine.”
Games 3 and 4 go Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sunwave Centre. If necessary, Game 5 will go next Friday in Vernon, followed by Game 6 Saturday in Salmon Arm, with Game 7 going Tuesday, March 31 in Vernon.

Kakoske Comfy In Thunderbird Nest:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kakoske comfy in Thunderbird nest

Ryan Kakoske has shown a knack for making the most of his opportunities.
When the Vernon Vipers started the 2007-08 season with a rookie-laden blueline, it was Kakoske who raised his game to lead the dee corps. Until that point, he had really only been a top-six guy, but he went on to earn the Vipers’ Best Defenceman award.
In his freshman season of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) hockey with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds this year, Kakoske was a healthy scratch for three of the team’s first four games. After the T-Birds lost a few starting blueliners to injury, the 22-year-old Vernon product got the nod, and he never gave UBC coach Milan Dragocevic a reason to relegate him to the press box.
“When we were evaluating our team, he kind of flew under the radar,” said Dragocevic, of Kakoske. “He came in here and it was a bit of an adjustment for him.
“But when he played, he just played very solid defence and made sound decisions with the puck. Later in the year he became our go-to guy on the PK. He did a good job of solidifying our defence.”
To judge Kakoske solely on his stats would be folly. His only goals came in a pair of weekend exhibition games against the NAIT Ooks in January. Other than that, he had three assists and 10 penalty minutes in 24 regular-season games.
However, Dragocevic sees no reason why Kakoske can’t become a premier shutdown d-man in the Canada West.
“We have a good team coming back, and Ryan will be counted upon heavily to log some minutes and to be a leader on our team. For the last 20 to 25 games, that’s what he was for us.”
Kakoske, who may transfer from arts to commerce next fall, knew it wasn’t going to be easy to crack the T-birds’ lineup as a rookie.
“As the season went on, because of injuries and such, I got a chance to play in a lot of different situations,” said Kakoske. “I performed well enough that it didn’t allow them to take me out of those spots.
“It’s a little faster, and a little quicker, but the big difference is the strength. They’re 23- and 24-year-old men, as opposed to pushing around 17- and 18-year-olds.”
Despite a slow start due to a shoulder injury, Vernon’s other hockey product on the T-Birds, Matt Schneider, also had a solid season. In 20 games, the 6-foot-6 pivot posted 2-2-4 and 18 PIM in a checking role with UBC.
“He had his best year with us this year,” said Dragocevic. “He wore a letter... he’s just one of those players that does the little things right – he wins faceoffs, blocks shots. His primary role is to be a big centreman who shuts down the opposition.
“Both these players (Kakoske and Schneider) are players you can build a foundation around.”
Schneider, who notched 144 points in 199 games with the Tri-City Americans before UBC, will have surgery on a torn labrum next week. He’s hoping to be fully recovered for next season.
The Vernon duo helped UBC go 11-14-3 in the regular season, good enough for fifth in Canada West.
After dropping Game 1 of their best-of-three Canada West quarterfinal with the Lethbridge Pronghorns earlier this month, the T-Birds won a pair of overtime decisions (3-2 and 4-3) to advance to the semis.
They were swept 2-0 by the Saskatchewan Huskies last weekend.
Kakoske believes the experience will only help UBC next season.
“We had a dozen first-year players, so hopefully we’re a team that’s on the rise. We’ve got a lot of returning guys.”
Kakoske is loving being out on his own, and he loves the T-Birds’ new digs at the new 6,000-plus capacity Thunderbird Arena.
“I’m enjoying it a lot. I played my entire junior career living at home, so it was nice to get out to see what life is actually like.”
Meanwhile, Max Gordichuk, a towering d-man who recorded five points in 48 games with the Vipers in 2002-03, posted 2-7-9 and 16 PIM with the Thunderbirds.

Series Preview: Vipers vs Silverbacks:

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

The Vernon Vipers and Salmon Arm SilverBacks will start their playoff series off Friday night in the snakes den, Wesbild Centre.

The routes that these two teams have taken to get to this point have been extremely similar. Both had a bye into the second round of playoffs and took their second round opponents in five games. This coming after a season where the Vipers and SilverBacks met 10 times and split games evenly each taking three wins at home and two on the road.

The Vipers finished regular season play just five points ahead of the SilverBacks after producing only two more wins and an extra overtime triumph.

“We had some really good games against them this year. Both teams work hard,” said SilverBacks head coach Rylan Ferster.

Both teams have grown to know each other better over the season and on top of that have equally taken the time to go over their opponents film and each have come to similar conclusions; turnovers and transitions are going to be the most dangerous territory on both ends.

“They’re a very defence orientated hockey club, that’s one thing about them. They’re very structured,” says Ferster of the Vipers. “They’re very good on turnovers and will wait for their chance. They’ll pounce on a turnover.

“They finished first in the regular season, which indicates they’re the best team in our conference. We certainly have a lot of respect for them and know that we are the underdogs.”

But Mark Ferner, the head coach of the Vipers, isn’t looking at the series as a case of underdogs versus a top ranked club.

“We’re preparing ourselves for a long series,” says Ferner. “We’re going to try and wear some of their top guys down.

“They’re an offensive minded hockey team with good goal tending and some older defensemen,” says Ferner who, like Ferster is concerning himself and his team with puck possession and making good choices with the puck. We have to make sure we’re looking after the puck and not turning it over. We have to fight for the red line. They’re an explosive team in transition.”

“This should be a very exciting series,” says Ferner. “We’ll have to play our best ever night, every shift could be the difference.”

Throughout playoffs so far the SilverBacks have won three at home and one away, giving up their only game while on the road facing off against the Westside Warriors, whereas the Vipers have had their only loss of the playoffs come on home ice.

Both teams also have two players as top 15 point getters so far in playoffs, Salmon Arm’s Conor Morrison is ranked fourth overall with 11 points, his teammate Justin Cseter isn’t too far behind with nine points. Vernon’s Sahir Gill also has nine points so far with fellow Viper Kellen Jones right on his heels with eight.

And with such similar stats, on paper it looks like the battle over top team in the interior will be a tight one.

Brent Mutis, SilverBack beat reporter for the Salmon Arm observer says that it’s tough to tell from the last few times these two teams went head to head what kind of series this is going to be since Salmon Arm didn’t have the best end of the season run.

“Salmon Arm builds up records based on skill,” says Mutis. “Vernon is a more grind it out physical team. It will be interesting to see how the series plays out.”

Playoffs are already taking a toll on some of the teams still playing and injuries could be a factor that plays into this match-up.

“Mark Zengerle didn’t play the last three games of the series against Westside and if he’s not able to play in this series, Salmon Arm will have a big hole to fill,” says Mutis.

Zengerle was the SilverBacks’ leading scorer during the regular season and played on the team’s number one forward line. For the last three games Justin Cseter has been filling the gap left behind, moving up to the SilverBacks’ top line and producing points.

Another big factor player who will make a difference in the series is one that Mutis doesn’t think gets too much attention, Vernon’s goaltender Andrew Hammond.

“Hammond is a seasoned goalie and a calm guy between the pipes,” says Mutis. “He’s really dependable and a source of confidence for Vernon.”

Vernon and Salmon Arm will be going into game one of their third round playoff bout Friday night, each trying to be the first to draw blood in what should be a very competitive series.

Scofield Deuce Boosts Beavers:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Scofield deuce boosts Beavers

Vernon Viper grad Tyler Scofield scored once and set up another as the host Bemidji State Beavers clipped the Robert Morris Colonials 3-2 Saturday in the Central Hockey Association championship game.
Cody Bostock, a former Viper defenceman, also plays for the Beavers, who are based in Minnesota.
The 5-foot-8, 150-pound Scofield surpassed the 100-point career mark with the Beavers, becoming the sixth player in Bemidji State history to do so.
“He’s one of the most exciting players to ever put on a BSU jersey,” Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore told the Bemidji Pioneer. “He is so competitive and so much fun to watch. I really believe if he was 5-foot-11 and weighed 180 pounds he’d make it in the National Hockey League.”
Scofield had one assist Friday night as the Beavers clipped the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers 4-1 in the CHA semifinal. Viper grad Andrew Coburn scored for the Chargers.
The Beavers are hoping to be selected to earn a spot in the NCAA Division 1 round of 16 playoffs.
In WCHA quarterfinal action, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux swept the Michigan Tech Huskies 5-1 and 4-3 with Viper grads Chay Genoway (1A) and Matt Watkins helping the Sioux.
The Denver Pioneers swept the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves 3-2 and 4-3 in other WCHA playoff action. Jon Olthius was in net for the Seawolves in Game 1, making 28 saves. Bryce Christianson recorded 21 stops in the second-game loss.
Hunter Bishop and the Ohio State Buckeyes lost 1-0 to the Alaska Nanooks in Game 3 of their CCHA quarterfinal series. Bishop had one assist as the Buckeyes bounced Alaska 4-2 in the second game Saturday. Alaska won the opener 4-0.
In Hockey East first-round playoff action, the Mass.-Lowell River Hawks swept the Vermont Catamounts 4-2 and 4-3 (OT) with ex-Viper Dean Strong scoring in both games for Vermont.
In the ECAC, it was the St. Lawrence Saints sweeping the Quinnipiac Bobcats by identical 5-3 counts. Mark Nelson scored once and Scott Zurevinski had one assist in the Bobcats' opening loss. Zurevinski scored in Game 2.
The Cornell Big Red clipped the RPI Engineers 4-3 Sunday to win that ECAC series in three games.

Interior Up For Grabs:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Interior up for grabs

The B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Conference final could be the hottest matchup since Brad Pitt hooked up with Angelina Jolie. The two rivals have had countless classic battles over the last eight years, but never in a Conference final.
As the top Interior seed, the Snakes will host the Gorillas for Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven series Friday and Saturday night respectively at Wesbild Centre.
After stumbling in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinal, the Vipers went four straight to rout the Penticton Vees 4-1 to advance. They showed tremendous depth, with contributions from all four lines, while Andrew Hammond exuded Zen-like calmness between the pipes.
Salmon Arm iced the Westside Warriors 4-1, ending with a thrilling 5-4 OT victory Friday night at Sunwave Centre.
Bobby Lipsett, at 3:28 of the extra stanza, played the hero.
Said SilverBacks’ head coach Rylan Ferster, of the Vipers: “They’re certainly a very good team, they’re very structured, they’re very defensive. We’re going to have to match their work ethic and try to get some pucks down low and some pucks at the net.”
Conor Morrison was the ‘Backs leading sniper with 5-6-11, while Interior Conference MVP Mark Zengerle missed the final three games after taking an elbow from the Warriors’ Brad Plumpton.
Meanwhile, the Cowichan Valley Capitals pulled off two straight wins to force a Game 7 in their Coastal Conference semifinal with the Victoria Grizzlies.
After stuffing the Grizz 4-1 Friday night at Bear Mountain Arena, the Caps got a 43-save performance from first star Chris Rawlings in a 3-1 Game 6 win Saturday at the Big Stick in Duncan.
Rawlings has stopped 95 of 97 shots in his last two games.
Chris Zaires, Nick Anderson and Anthony Perdicaro handled the Cowichan attack, while Derek Lee replied for the Grizz.
Game 7 went Tuesday night in Victoria, with the winner facing the Power River Kings in Game 1 of the Coastal final Friday night.
n The Vipers’ Cory Kane earned B.C. Hockey League Player-of-the Week honours.
The Irvine, Calif. product pocketed four goals and three assists in a trio of Interior Conference semifinal wins over the Penticton Vees last week, including a three-point effort in Vernon's series-clinching 7-1 win Friday at Wesbild Centre.
The 18-year old also put in a 2+1 effort in Game 4 and scored the late game winner in Game 3.

Goaltending Key In Conference Finals:

With the Interior Conference Finals starting this weekend one of the key’s to this series will be goaltending. The Vernon Vipers & Salmon Arm Silverbacks have two of the best goaltenders in the BCHL with veteran’s Andrew Hammond & Bryan Gillis. Andrew Hammond was the league’s best goaltender with a goals against average of 2.30 Hammond played in 43 games this year with the Vipers with a 27-12-1 record, recording five shutout’s and a save percentage of 91.22% Hammond has secured a scholarship to Bowling Green University wich will take place next season. Hammond was named the Vipers MVP & BCHL All-Star playing in this year's BCHL All-Star Game. In 5 games in this year’s BCHL Playoffs Hammond is 4-1 with a 1.94 GAA and a 92.70% In 10 regular season meetings between the Backs Hammond went 4-4 with one shutout. Bryan Gillis played in 37 games this year with Salmon Arm with a 22-13-1 record and a 2.83 GAA along with a 90.60% Gillis in five Playoff games has a record of 4-1 with a 3.17 GAA and a 90.96% In 10 games vs Vernon during the regular season, Gillis went 5-5 Games 1 & 2 go Friday & Saturday in Vernon.

Kane Named BCHL Player Of The Week:

Vernon Vipers forward Cory Kane has been named the British Columbia Hockey League Player of the Week for the week ending March 15th, the league announced Monday.

Kane scored three goals and added four assists in a trio of wins over the Penticton Vees last week, including a three-point effort in Vernon's series-clinching 7-1 win on Friday.

The 18-year old also put in a three-assist effort in Game 4 and scored the late game winner in Game 3.

Kane posted 20 goals and 22 assists in 59 regular season games during his rookie season in the BCHL. He is ranked 162nd on NHL Central Scouting's midseason ranking for June's Entry Draft.

Vipers Ice Vees To Clinch Series:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers ice Vees to clinch series

It’s been eight years in the making, but the Vernon Vipers have finally booked a long-awaited B.C. Hockey League Interior Conference final with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
The Snakes did their part by dismantling the Penticton Vees 7-1 in Game 5 Friday night at Wesbild Centre to take their best-of-seven Interior semifinal 4-1.
The Vipers will host the Gorillas in Games 1 and 2 of the Interior finals Friday and Saturday night respectively at Wesbild.
Building off Wednesday’s 7-2 Game 4 romp in Penticton, the Vipers weathered some Penticton powerplay pressure midway through the first period before going on to dominate the final 40 minutes.
The Vees rang iron twice just seconds apart while on the man advantage – once by Zac Josepher and once by captain Curtis McKenzie – which seemed to signal a shift in momentum.
“We had to play a flawless game to beat them, and we hit the post two times in the first on that powerplay, and once at the beginning of the second,” said Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson. “Next thing you know, we make a little turnover in the neutral zone and it’s 1-0.
“They were the only team all year... that we really couldn’t handle. Against Salmon Arm, we were 4-4, and against every other team we had a winning record.
“They’re very big, strong, physical and skilled, with a calm goaltender (Andrew Hammond).
“The big thing that I noticed is that some of their players have made big strides in their games from one year to the next... (Braden) Pimm, (Rob) Short, (Kyle) Bigos, (Chris) Crowell – those are guys that were good players last year, but have taken their game to another level.
“You’ve got to tip your hat to their staff, and to their players for putting the work in over the summer to become better players.
“Our guys have nothing to be ashamed of. This will fuel us, just like it was for Vernon last year.”
After a scoreless first period (there were only six shots total), Connor Jones recorded his first goal of the playoffs on a gorgeous give-and-go with brother Kellen at 5:59.
Sahir Gill, the Vipers’ leading playoff scorer with 4+5, showed grit to create the turnover.
Gill, a Terrace product who turns 17 in April, credits the Viper veterans for getting the rookies ready for the series.
“We’ve got great leaders in our room, and they just kind of prepare you. That bye week was pretty huge. It prepared all the guys who haven’t been there before, like myself. The veterans led the way, and we just followed.
“Any time you have four lines, it’s a great asset to your team. They can’t really line match against you because if they match against one line, the other line is going to do the same kind of damage.”
Gill, on the powerplay, and Cory Kane, on snap shot that barely snuck through netminder Jordan White’s 5-hole, completed the second-period scoring.
Short, who has six points in his last two games, started the play by causing a turnover at the Vees’ blueline.
“Me and Kaner are both fast guys, and with Kak (Ryan Kakoske) on the line, he’s a heads-up guy, and he moving the puck and he lets us play with speed.
“This is my third year playing Penticton, so I kinda know what’s coming,” chuckled Short. “This year, I was really focussed on making an impression in playoffs. We’ve got a team that can go far, and I’m just trying to do anything I can to chip in and do my part.”
It took Gill just 39 seconds into the third frame to collect his second goal, on a sweet cross-ice pass from Connor, leaving no chance for White (27 saves).
At the other end, Hammond wasn’t overly busy, but was solid in making 24 saves.
Max Grassi was the only Vee to solve him. He intercepted a weak cross-blueline pass and broke in on a 2-on-1, opting to shoot high blocker side to beat Hammond.
Powerplay goals two minutes apart by Cole Ikkala and Kane put the game out of reach.
After the game, a dejected McKenzie, with teary, blood-shot eyes, was at a loss to explain why his team wasn’t able to keep up with the Vipers.
“It’s hard to say. Overall, they just had a little more, they’re a bit older, a bit wiser, so hopefully next year our team’s going to be that much older and we can have more players coming along so we can have what they have.
“Anything short of success, you’re never happy with, so we’re all going to take this throughout the summer, and it’s going to give us a little extra drive to come back next year and get the title back.”
Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner knows this is just the first step of many towards the Fred Page Cup.
“Let’s things into perspective. They have a very good hockey team over there, and I have the utmost respect for Fred Harbinson and that group.
“They had a tough first series, and obviously we took advantage of it. And let’s not forget they had probably one of the best players in the league out in (Denver)Manderson.
“We felt like we did what we needed to do. I’m proud of our group – they worked every shift, top to bottom.
“I felt we were really committed defensively. They’ve got a real mobile defence over there, and we adjusted some things. Against (Prince George Spruce Kings in the elimination series), they tried to lose one of the forecheckers, so we adjusted a little bit.
“That’s the first step, and now as it goes on, it’s going to get tougher and we realize that too.”
Surprisingly composed for a rookie in his first BCHL playoffs, Gill looks at the Salmon Arm series as another day at the office.
“It’s just another game, the stakes are just a bit higher. But you don’t want to go in there thinking it’s more than what it is. It’s just another game.
“We played 60 in the regular season, and you need 16 wins to get to where we want to be in the playoffs.”

Salmon Arm & Vernon Meet In Interior Conference Finals:

The 2nd place Salmon Arm Silverbacks knocked off the 3rd place Westside Warriors last night in five games to take the 2nd Round series 4-1. The Silverbacks defeated the Warriors in Game 5 5-4 in Overtime. Hometown hero Bobby Lipsett scored the OT winner at 3:28 to give the Backs the victory. Colin Lidster, Conor Morrison, Matt Walters & Justin Cseter rounded out the Salmon Arm scoring. Bryan Gillis made 23 saves in the win. Games 1 & 2 of the Interior Conference Finals starts Friday & Saturday at the Wesbild Centre. The Vipers are coming off a 7-1 win last night to knocking off the defending BCHL Champion Penticton Vees in five games. This is just the second Playoff meeting between these two teams.

Game 1 Friday March 20th @ Vernon
Game 2 Saturday March 21st @ Vernon
Game 3 Tuesday March 24th @ Salmon Arm
Game 4 Wednesday March 25th @ Salmon Arm
Game 5 Friday March 27th @ Vernon
Game 6 Saturday March 28th @ Salmon Arm
Game 7 Tuesday March 31st @ Vernon

Game 5 Vernon 7 Penticton 1

Was at tonights Game 5 as Vernon defeated Penticton 7-1 in front of 2,101 fans at the Wesbild Centre.

Starting Goaltenders:

Vernon: Andrew Hammond
Penticton: Jordan White

1st Period: Off the opening draw both teams started with the physical play, finishing their checks. Vernon with the best chance early as Rob Short in on the breakaway just a minute and a half into the game but Short graised the outside of the post after beating White. The Vipers with an early powerplay but couldnt take advantage as the Vees killed off the minor. The Vipers had the better of the play in the first half but didnt generate much for offence. Cody Ikkala with a blast from the point whistled a slapshot just high and over the net. Shots were 2-1 Vernon for the longest time after a very tight checking game with very little room to move. Penticton with their first man advantage late in the 1st but it was Vernon who had the best scoring chance, Braden Pimm & Connor Jones went in shorthanded two on one, Pimm made a nice pass over to Connor who was stoned by White after coming across the crease to make the save. The Vees come very close to opening the scoring, veteran Zac Josepher left all alone at the point, moved in and wired his shot off the post, the puck come back to Curtis McKenzie who rang another shot off the post from in close. Vees coming very close to scoring but couldnt beat the post. Vernon would kill off the minor. Kellen Jones had a great chance from the slot but didnt get off a good shot after White made the easy save. Very few scoring chances with very little shots, as it was scoreless after 20 minutes of play. Vernon outshot Penticton 4-2.

2nd Period: The Vees come out to start the 2nd with a very aggresive forecheck really forcing the Vipers in their own end. Vernon would open the scoring at 5:59 after some nice three way passing from Vernons top line. Sahir Gill made a nice pass over to Kellen Jones who then fed his brother Connor who beat Jordan White putting the Vipers up 1-0. Vernon now started getting their legs going with some nice passing after finding ways to get through the Penticton forecheck. Vernon would jump on the powerplay and took advantage. Once again it was the Vipers top line, Connor & Kellen Jones setup Sahir Gill who ripped his shot topshelf just under the crossbar beating White at 10:13 as Vernon was up 2-0. The Vees couldnt muster much offence after getting a few odd man rushes but couldnt connect on the pass through the crease. Give credit to the Vernon defence who looked very steady in the middle frame. Kellen Jones was some good hustle, got back into the play diving breaking up a Vees odd man rush. The Vipers would go up 3-0 after Cory Kane beat White at 15:25 assists going to, Rob Short & Kyle Bigos. This goal seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Penticton Vees. Vernon really moved the puck well coming through the neutral zone, and in the Penticton zone. Both teams struggled on the powerplay in the 2nd period. Penticton was outplayed for the most parts of the period but did manage to get some offence going late. Andrew Hammond had to be sharp making some key saves. Devon Krogh with a shot from the point was stopped by Hammond. Vernon was up 3-0 after 40 minutes of play. The Vipers outshot the Vees 14-9.

3rd Period: Just 39 seconds into the final period Sahir Gill would score his 2nd goal of the night putting Vernon up 4-0 and now in full control. Connor & Kellen Jones collecting the assists. The Vipers didnt stop their, they continued the attack buzzing around the Penticton zone. Adam Thompson with a poor pass at the blueline caused the tunrover as Max Grassi went in two on one, Grassi kept and fired, beating Hammond blocker side as the Vees finally were on the board at 2:13 the goal was unassisted. I think Hammond would like this one back, after leaving his whole blocker side wide open for an easy shot. Penticton would get into some penalty trouble and the Vipers would make em pay. Cole Ikkala with some good hustle beat White at 6:17 on the PP James Kerr & Ryan Santana would pick up the assists. The Vees would lose Derik Johnson after getting a 10 minute misconduct and a game misconduct for yapping at referee Grant Tyson. Two minutes later on another Viper man advantage, Rob Short would get another breakaway but was stopped by Jordan White, Cory Kane would scoop up the rebound and then go topshelf after an an almost impossible angle from the corner boards. Vernon was up 6-1 and in full control. At this point the Vees almost looked lifeless from here on in till the final buzzer. The play come to a slow pace with some scrambly play as both teams looked to just wanting to wind down the clock. Ryan Johansen with the Vees best scoring chance of the night, was robbed by Hammond at the side of the net. Johansen had Hammond down and out, before Hammond come diving across the crease making the big save. Rob Short would put Vernon up 7-1 to round out the scoring beating Jordan White at 12:31 Cory Kane picked up the lone assist. Penticton would get two late powerplays but couldnt beat Andrew Hammond come up with a few big saves. In the dying seconds with the Vees on a man advantage the crowd at the Wesbild Centre stood to their feet giving the Vipers a standing ovation on their 7-1 victory defeating the defending BCHL Champs in 5 games. Vernon outshot Penticton 16-13. In the handshake Chris Crowell talked to Zac Joespher, Curtis McKenzie and Fred Harbinson for a while. Harbinson and Crowell talked for a while after shaking hands. Nice to see.

Top Players: (Vernon)

Andrew Hammond (24 saves) Played well once again. Hammond didnt have many tough saves but made the saves when needed too. Hammond was a big difference in this series.

Cody Ikkala played a very solid defensive game. Ikkala looked very good in the defensive zone.

The Vipers top line of Sahir Gill (2 goals & 1 assist), Connor Jones (1 goal & 2 assists) & Kellen Jones (3 assists) was by far the Vipers best line. These three young kids looked very dangerous all night. Some very exciting passing plays between the three led for some nice goals. This line was skating all night, showing lots of hustle. Connor & Kellen Jones even come up with some physical play.

Cole Ikkala (1 goal) Looked very good for the 2nd straight night. I forgot to mention in Game 4s game recap that Cole played very well. Ikkala has come along way from the start of the season. Nice to see his extra icetime and hard work pay off.

Cory Kane (2 goals & 1 assist) Has really stepped up his play in this series. Kane who has been uncossistant all season can play like the best of them. A very smooth skater who has some very soft hands, can dangle the puck like its on a string. Looked very dangerous all night.

Rob Short (1 goal & 2 assists) Also has stepped up his play this series. Short who has played very well against the Vees all season long looked very good for the 2nd straight night. Had two breakaways showing lots of hustle and determination all night.

Top Players: (Penticton)

Devon Krogh played well on the Penticton backend. Carried the puck lots, skated well all night.

Zac Josepher played very well on the blueline. Come close to scoring in the 1st period after hitting the post.

Max Grassi (1 goal) Looked good at times in the 3rd period.

Game Thoughts: (Vernon)

First off Id like to congradulate the Vernon Vipers on knocking off the defending BCHL Champion Penticton Vees in five games. I was expecting more of a tighter & longer series. In the last two games the Vipers have outscored the Vees 14-3 as in both games it has looked like the men against the boys. With very little chances and not many shots it looked as if we were in for a great game after a scoreless 1st period. The Vipers really stepped up their play in the 2nd and 3rd periods finishing off the Penticton Vees 7-1. Vernon did score three powerplay goals but did struggle on the man advantage at times as well. Vernons passing and overall skill and size was just too much for the Vees. The 1st was a very tight checking game with very little room to move, until the 2nd and 3rd periods. Nice to see the Vipers clinch the series on home ice. The Vipers now will wait and play the winner of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks or Westside Warriors next weekend starting in Vernon.

Game Thoughts: (Penticton)

First off Id like to thank the Penticton Vees hockey club and their fans for a great series. One of the oldest and longest rivals in the BCHL its always great to watch these two historic teams battle one another come Playoff time. This was the third straight year these two teams have met in the BCHL Playoffs and 6th time in the last 8 yrs. Id like to wish the veteran 20 yr olds, and the players who wont be back next season all the best in their hockey careers. Id also like to thank the Vees fans who come on this message board and have kept me informed on all the Vees news, trades and scores and also for the many much appreciated updates during any Vernon-Penticton games. Also many thanks to Ryan Pinder for his Penticton Vees blog and keeping us all informed on whats going on with the Vees & the BCHL. Now back to the game, Penticton with just two shots in the first period come very close to going ahead after hitting the post twice. Even with just two shots the Vees did manage to get a few chances and were in tonights game after the 1st. Once the Vipers opened the scoring it seemed like the wind come out of the sails as the Vees looked like they were done and ready to head home. Outplayed and outworked for much of tonights game the Vees just couldnt match the Vipers speed, skill, size and toughness. A very young team that improved as the season went along should and will compete next year. Thank you for a very entertaining series and regular season vs my Vernon Vipers.

Scratches:

Vernon:

Nick Amies
Kory Roy
Steven Weinstein

Penticton:

Matt Ridley
Denver Manderson
Joey Holka

3 Stars:

1st Star: Connor Jones (1 goal & 2 assists)
2nd Star: Sahir Gill (2 goals & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Cory Kane (2 goals & 1 assit)

Game 5 Penticton @ Vernon (Game Preview)

Penticton (4-5) @ Vernon (3-1)

The season is on the line tonight for the defending BCHL Champion Penticton Vees. The Vees are down 3-1 in the series and have to make a huge comeback winning the remaining games of this series if they expect to move on to the next round. You can bet both teams will be ready to play and lay it all on the line tonight. The Vipers are one win away from moving on to the Interior Conference Finals but the fourth game is always the toughest to clinch. Penticton is facing elimination on the road, in Vernon where the Vees have just one victory in six games at the Wesbild Centre. Penticton is going to have to have everyone ready for battle and come up with their best effort of the season if they want to beat Vernon. The Vees are going to have to try and solve Andrew Hammond who has looked very solid in these Playoffs. The Vipers are going to have to try and get to the Vees goaltending, whoever gets the start in net tonight. Once again specialty teams and goaltending will be key in tonights game. It will be interesting to see who plays in goal for the Vees, Jordan White or Sean Bonar? You can listen to tonight’s game with Todd Miller live on 105.7 Kiss FM starting at 6:45pm

Make sure and check out Ryan Pinders Penticton Vees blog, for more on this series. http://pentictonvees.podbean.com/

Heres a look at the 2nd Round Playoff Series:

March 6th @ Vernon: Game 1 Penticton wins 4-3 Overtime

Just minutes into the game Penticton goes on an early two man advantage, with Andrew Hammond out of his crease and covering the puck, the play still alive, allows the Vees to pick up the loose puck as Garrett Milan beat Hammond putting the Vees on the board first. Everyone starts pushing and shoving before Cameron Brodie and Kyle Bigos drop the gloves as the Vees come out of the mini scrum with a 7 minute powerplay. Vernon kills off the major and then Adam Thompson would tie the game on the powerplay late in the 1st period. Ryan Santana would be stopped on a penalty shot early to start the 2nd period. After some good pressure by the Vipers, Sean Bonar keeps his hockey club in the game, allowing Curtis McKenzie and Ryan Johansen (PP) to give the Vees a two goal lead heading into the 3rd. It was all Vernon in the final frame, as the Penticton defence tried shutting down the Vipers with some early solid defensive coverage before the Vipers would rally scoring two goals tying the game 3-3. Sahir Gill (PP) & rookie Kory Roy beat Bonar sending the game to Overtime. In the extra frame the Vipers looked very soft and nervous, making all kinds of defensive errors causing many turnovers, wich resulted in Garrett Milans 2nd goal of the night, giving the Vees their first win of the season in Vernon. Andrew Hammond made 28 saves in the loss, while Sean Bonar who was a surprise start made 44 saves in the victory.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=673290

March 7th @ Vernon: Game 2 Vernon wins 5-1

Kellen Jones put the Vipers on the board first, as the Vipers were up 1-0 after 20 mins of play. Vernon Captain, Chris Crowell would score two goals in the 2nd as the Vipers went up 3-0 after 40 mins of play, Vernon was all over Penticton outshooting them 18-5 in the 2nd period. Garrett Milan missed on a penalty shot on a great chance to get the Vees back into the game. Braden Pimm sealed the victory scoring just 35 seconds into the 3rd as Vernon jumped ahead 4-0. Matt Paltridge would beat Andrew Hammond with a long shot, getting Penticton on the scoreboard. Cole Ikkala rounded out the Vipers scoring late as Vernon tied the series 1-1 with a 5-1 victory. Andrew Hammond made 24 saves for the win. Jordan White made 40 saves in the loss. The Vipers outplayed the Vees for most of tonights game, outshooting them 45-25. This was Pentictons 7th game in 9 nights.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=673300

March 9th @ Penticton: Game 3 Vernon wins 3-2

Cory Kane breaks a 2-2 with two and a half minutes left to score the winner for Vernon. Andrew Hammond was a rock between the pipes for the Vipers coming up huge making many big saves helping the Vipers to the 3-2 victory. A very entertaining game overall with some very tight checking defensive plays at both ends of the rink. Kyle Bigos and Kellen Jones scored the other Viper goals, while Garrett Milan scored both Penticton goals on the powerplay. Penticton outplayed Vernon all 3rd period but couldn’t beat Hammond for the game tying goal.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=673309

March 10th @ Penticton: Game 4 Vernon wins 7-2

Vernon with one of its best efforts of the season skated away with a convincing 7-2 win after thrashing the Vees. The Vipers lead 2-0 after 20 minutes of play and then punished Penticton in the 2nd with several big checks. The Vipers scored another three goals going up 5-1 after 40 minutes of play and in full control. Vernon would sit back in the final period as the Vees couldn’t solve Andrew Hammond all night. Vernons defence was very strong all night. Mike Collins, Braden Pimm, Kellen Jones, Sahir Gill & Chris Crowell collected two points each. Cory Kane & Rob Short picked up three points each. Andrew Hammond made 37 saves in the victory as the Vipers lead the series 3-1.

http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=673317

Key Players To Watch:

Vernon:

Sahir Gill 6 pts
Chris Crowell 5 pts
Connor Jones 4 pts

Braden Pimm 5 pts

Kellen Jones 5 pts

Mike Collins 4 pts

Cory Kane 4 pts
Rob Short 3 pts

Cameron Brodie 1 pt

Andrew Hammond 3-1 record-2.17 GAA

Penticton:

Curtis McKenzie 10 pts
Garrett Milan 10 pts
Ryan Johansen 7 pts
Ryan Viselli 7 pts
Max Grassi 7 pts
Brodie Reid 6 pts
Erik Slemp 5 pts
Travis Ouellette 5 pts

Zack Joespher 5 pts

Devon Krogh 2 pts

Vipers One Win From Title Shot:

This was in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Vipers one win from title shot

By Graeme Corbett - Vernon Morning Star

The only thing tighter than the Vernon Vipers’ defence Wednesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre was the security.
Too bad the Penticton Vees never really got the chance to test it in Game 4 of the B.C. Hockey League’s Interior Conference semifinals.
From shift one through to minute 60, the Vipers simply outhustled the Vees, riding a four-line tsunami to swamp Penticton 7-2.
With their 3-2 win in Game 3 Tuesday night at the Events Centre, the Snakes hold a 3-1 series lead and will try to book a date to the Conference finals as they entertain the Vees for Game 5 tonight at Wesbild Centre.
“We got off to a good start, we got pucks deep early, we tried to be as physical as possible, we got a few lucky bounces... our guys played hard for 60 minutes,” said Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner. “At times our guys lost their composure a little bit, but at the same time, they’re young guys full of enthusiasm, and that’s part of the game.”
After recording the winner late in the third period Tuesday night, Vipers’ rookie Cory Kane fired a goal and two assists Wednesday.
“It’s nothing like this,” grinned Kane, of his previous playoff hockey experience. “This is another level. It’s great, I love it.”
Midway through the first period, Vipers’ forward Ryan Santana did some great work to keep the puck deep in the Vees’ zone, and wound up drawing a holding penalty.
On the ensuing powerplay, Mike Collins wheeled in from the side board to snap a shot on Vees’ netminder Sean Bonar, who was screened by Chris Crowell. The puck barely trickled over the line.
“We want wave after wave of the same thing. Our lines don’t play any differently,” said Ferner.
“You look at the scoresheet tonight, and the only line that didn’t chip in offensively was Ryan Santana’s line, but they had their opportunities, they were great defensively, and a lot of times that’s the line that gets momentum for us.”
Goals by Kellen Jones, batting a puck out of mid-air, Cameron Brodie, on a long point shot that fooled Bonar, and Bryce Kakoske, on a slick cross-crease backhand feed from Rob Short (3A), had the Vipers up 4-0 early in the second frame.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said Vees’ head coach Fred Harbinson. “Vernon took it to us and we couldn’t find an answer no matter what we did. Tonight they were just a much better team.
“You gotta just hope the guys can find a way to muster a way to be a little stronger on their sticks and play a little harder. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but if you grab a win on the road, then it can change the whole momentum of the series.”
The only time the Vipers did look vulnerable was when they took penalties, which has been the case all series.
The Vees got on the board with the man advantage at 16:50, as Garret Milan – easily the Vees’ best player in this series – danced in from the slot to pounce on a rebound before netminder Andrew Hammond had a chance to cover.
Hammond recorded 27 saves for the win, while Bonar (five goals on 25 shots) was pulled in favour of Jordan White (seven saves on nine shots) after 40 minutes.
Goals by Kane (the scoresheet credits Short) and Collins, on a gorgeous 2-on-1 with Braden Pimm, padded the lead before the Vees collected another powerplay goal courtesy of a Zac Josepher point shot.
Late in the second, the Vipers’ Kyle Bigos dropped the mitts with Curtis McKenzie. The Vees’ captain hung in with the much bigger Bigos, but couldn’t land anything solid. The slo-mo video replay on the score clock showed Bigos connecting on several stiff shots.
When the Vees did get pressure in the Vipers zone, which was seldom, Vernon’s dee corps was there to contain it.
Mike Leidl, who has yet to record a point as a Viper, has been an unsung hero all series. Late in the second frame, Leidl made a great diving play to break up a 2-on-1 with McKenzie and Ryan Viselli.
“That’s always been a strong part of my game, a good solid defence,” said Leidl, sporting the team’s honourary hard hat for being the team’s hardest working player. “I try to make a good first pass and just keep the pucks out of our net.”
Leidl, a 20-year-old Fort St. James product, has only been to the playoffs once in five BCHL seasons. His Williams Lake Timberwolves got swept by the Vees.
“They were a bit of a different team back then,” grinned Leidl. “They had (Gary) Sylvester and (Mike) Towns, a few big boys that were pretty intimidating.
“We can’t be too high on this win. We’ll enjoy it for a little bit tonight, but we’ve got to start looking forward to (Game 5), and bringing the same effort we brought tonight.”
If necessary, Game 6 goes Saturday in Penticton, with Game 7 returning to Wesbild Tuesday night.